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Dodgers Rotation Dealt a Blow, Hurler Lands on IL with Back Tightness

Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers are placing right-hander Tyler Glasnow on the injured list, relaying word from manager Dave Roberts. According to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers are hoping it’s a minor issue and Glasnow could return following the All-Star break.

Ardaya relayed that right-hander Michael Petersen was in the clubhouse. Petersen was only optioned a few days ago. He can return in within 15 days if he’s replacing someone on the IL. Justin Wrobleski was slated to return to the minors, but he could share rotation time with Petersen.

Glasnow has allowed five runs in two straight outings, but it appears that his back began bothering him on Sunday while playing catch.

Dodgers Place Tyler Glasnow on Injured List

The Dodgers’ acquisition of Glasnow was the first notable starting pitching upgrade last offseason. He was the Dodgers’ Opening Day starter and has been the rare constant in the Dodgers rotation that has seen plenty of starting pitching issues. This season, Glasnow has a 3.47 ERA with 0.93 WHIP and a National League-best 143 strikeouts over 109 innings. He has struck out 33.6 percent of batters while limiting walks to at 6.8 percent. His 14 percent of home runs is above the 11.2 percent league average this year but below the right-hander’s career rate of 15.5 percent. 

With Glasnow out, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene will be his replacement on the NL All-Star team.

Dodgers Rotation Concerns

Currently, the club has Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May and Emmet Sheehan on the injured list. All but Gonsolin and Sheehan are expected to return in the second half. The amount of injuries to the Dodgers rotation has cost them a rough start to July.

The Dodgers own the third-worst starting ERA in July (7.36). Only the Los Angeles Angels and Arizona Diamondbacks have been worse. Their 10.8 BB% sits as the fifth-highest. That is concerning for a Dodgers expected to win the World Series, but they could stand pat on the rotation front unless there is an opportunity to acquire a frontline starter. Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet and Detroit Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty might be the only trade candidates who fit the criteria. The Dodgers will also get back Mookie Betts, Max Muncy and Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the injured list later this season.

Acquiring a shortstop is the Dodgers’ biggest need, which would allow Betts to move over to second base, where he plays better defense. The problem, however, is that there aren’t many solutions at short. Willy Adames will unlikely trade pending free agent Willy Adames. The Toronto Blue Jays could trade Bo Bichette if they continue to flounder, but their asking price might be steep.

More to come.

Main Photo: © Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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